Rev. has beard to thank for relation with pope

Ave Maria University Provost The Rev. Joseph Fessio and Pope Benedict XVI shake hands in early September 2006 at the pope's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

Submitted by Marrie McLaughlin

The Rev. Joseph Fessio has a rebellious beard to thank for his close, personal relationship with Pope Benedict XVI.

The seemingly strait-laced, clean-shaven provost of Ave Maria University laughs when he recalls the strange series of events that led to his association with the former professor.

As a seminary student in California in the 1960s, a tough professor classified Fessio as a rebel because of his slightly unruly beard. Feeling the student needed more discipline, the professor recommended Fessio train for his theology degree in Europe under future pope Joseph Ratzinger.

By 1972, Fessio, now 65, had become one of Ratzinger's favorite students. To this day, he attends annual seminars with Ratzinger and about 45 of his favored students to discuss important religious topics.

"It's amazing what has happened to me just because I had a beard," Fessio said with a laugh.

This year, Fessio traveled to the pope's summer palace near Rome from Sept. 1 to 3 to discuss evolution and intelligent design as they relate to the Catholic church.

"Prior to the meeting, there was a lot of media attention, because people thought the pope had gathered his students to make a statement on evolution," Fessio said. "But it was just a seminar for us to discuss our thoughts and feelings."

Pope Benedict XVI has had a prominent role in Fessio's life for many years. As a young man, Professor Ratzinger guided Fessio's education and faith.

As an adult, the pope directed Fessio to Ave Maria, after speaking with university founder Tom Monaghan.

The pope "is the reason I'm here," Fessio said. "He's been a great supporter of the university.

"In fact, the first words he said to me as pope were: 'How's Ave Maria doing?'"

News of the pope's interest excited Ave Maria students, many of whom attended a presentation given at the university by Fessio after his visit overseas.

"I feel glad that the Holy Father, of all people, is happy to see what we're doing down here," student Ryan Hawkes, 19, said. "I'm sure he supports other Catholic universities equally, but still, it's a great grace to have the Holy Father support our university."

During his long weekend at the papal summer palace, Fessio kept busy with a packed schedule. Saturday's activities included:

• 9 a.m.-noon: seminars and discussion

• noon-2 p.m.: lunch and discussion with the pope in the palace gardens

The group listened to four renowned speakers who gave conflicting presentations on evolution and intelligent design.

Austrian molecular biologist Peter Schuster spoke emphatically in support of the theory of evolution. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna talked about the controversial op-ed article he wrote for The New York Times questioning evolution.

Other speakers included University of Munich Professor Robert Spaemann, a German philosopher who has criticized evolution, and the Rev. Paul Elbrich, a Jesuit priest and scientist from Germany whose work weighs how chance factors into evolution.

"I thought Father Elbrich gave the most stimulating presentation of all," Fessio said. The discussions, he said, were all very spiritual and illuminating.

Past topics that the group has discussed include the Eastern Orthodox church and Islamic thoughts on God.

On Sunday, the pope took time to address his students together. He urged them to publish some of the notes from their Saturday discussions.

"There won't really be anything new that comes out in the publishing," Fessio said. "The positions we discussed are the same as those that have been taken by the Holy Father and the church over time anyway."

Pope Benedict XVI believes the Earth is about 4 billion years old, and that its inhabitants, including humans, have evolved.

Fessio received a special treat Sunday: a private audience with the pope. Though he would not divulge what specific information he shared with the pope, Fessio said he brought up some issues with the church, and the pope addressed them.

"He has a great gift of listening and absorbing and drawing the best out of everybody," Fessio said. "He's always been a very transparent person. He's the only pope in modern history to talk without using notes."

Fessio said no matter what, he will attend next year's seminar with the pope.

The pope's students "will hold off all other engagements to be there," Fessio said. "We're so proud that he's pope, because he's such a good person.

"He believes in maintaining human relationships, and that's why we're all still with him."